Page 42 of Through the Flames
“Nah, you’re good. Happens all the time. I’m easily overlooked.” She waved me off.
I furrowed my brows. “I wouldn’t saythat.”
What the hell was she talking about?
This girl was positively stunning, with her large greenish eyes and long dark hair, streaked with bright red.
She chuckled, gesturing at herself. “I meant because of my height.”
“Oh, duh!” I tapped my hand to my forehead in understanding, my cheeks growing warm. “Sorry, didn’t mean to be dense.”
“You’re good. Enjoy the rest of your night!”
I smiled. “Will do! Hope you’re getting lots of tips and the least amount of creeps possible!”
“Thanks!” she called, disappearing into a stall. I finally stepped through the door, which had still been caught in my grip.
Was there anything better about going out than those little moments you had with strangers in a random restroom?
Jumping out of the way of a girl gesticulating wildly to avoid getting splashed by her drink — relatable, could’ve totally been me — I basically skipped back to the bar.
I stopped dead in my tracks when I found the spot I’d left Lucas at occupied by a group of girls.
Maybe he moved somewhere different?
The dread beginning to swirl in the pit of my stomach told me I already knew better; I just didn’t want to face it.
In a last, hopeful attempt, I twisted my head to glance at our booth. Did he head over there without me?
Scanning the people at and around the table, I had to admit defeat.
Fuck. There went another one, vanishing at the first fucking chance. There was a burning sensation behind my eyes.
I would definitely not cry over a virtual stranger at a packed bar. There was no fucking way.
Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I turned back to the booth, fully intending to crawl back there with my tail tucked between my legs and an excuse about his disappearing act at the ready, when a hand grabbed my wrist.
I whirled around, facing a random dude I was pretty sure I’d never seen before.
“Hey, so Lucas said he had to dip. Emergency.”
Right.Had to dip. Which is frat boy code for “got bored” or “someone texted me a better option.”
I laughed so fake, I was sure even these complete strangers must have noticed. “Sure.”
When he exchanged a weird glance with the dude next to him at the high-top table they occupied, I narrowed my eyes at him, my suspicion growing.
Their words came clipped, too fast, tumbling over each other like they were trying to get it all out before I noticed.
“Just … forget it. Tell him I said it’s all good.” I pursed my lips, giving my head a slight shake. “Or don’t.”
Tugging my wrist out of his grip, my mouth twisted into a forced smile as I continued on my way.
There was a tight, aching coil behind my ribs I was trying desperately to ignore.
Had I been too much again?
I replayed our interaction in my head.
